
PICININI 

THE STORY 0/ 

HIS ADVENTURES AMONG 
I the WHITE FOLKS || 



(xpight^j? 


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1/ 




Harblnson 



Picinini 

The Story of His Adventures Among 
De White Folks 

By Estelle Margaret Swearingen 

Illustrated By 
A. Marshall Harbinson 


San Francisco 

H. S. Crocker Company 

Publishers 


Copyright, 1917 
Bjr H. S. Crocker Company 
San Francisco 




MM 23 1917 


©C!.A4071 68 

I ^ 

\ 


TO THE CHILDREN OF 
BRET HARTE SCHOOL 
SACRAMENTO 




The Contents 


PAGE 


The Hunted Blackling 3 

The Little Black Stranger 8 

An Old Lady’s Night-Cap 16 

Where’s Picinini? 23 

In the Cellar 27 

The Rescue 30 

Pic in School 33 

The Little Girl in White 42 

The Three Blacks 48 

Pedro’s Treachery 52 

The Three Robbers 56 

A Tiny Green Tat 62 

Picinini in Jail 65 

A Letter from the Orphans’ Home 70 

Old Lady Grimes 75 

The Call of His Race 80 




The Illustrations 


FACING 

PAGE 


Frontispiece Facing Title Page 

Picinini looked wildly at the fast-gathering crowd 4 

And even though his tired legs did ache he ran on 8 

His black eyes rolled as he looked at the big puffy ginger cookies 
with fat, juicy raisins 14 

Pic carefully dropped the frog and garter snake into the old 
lady’s night cap 20 

A little girl in a white stiff-starched dress sauntered by Pic with 
her nose high in the air 36 

Picinini ripped off his coat and shoes saying, “Ah can’t swim 
only dog fashion, but I’se gwine to try and save her.” 44 

The three blacks whisked out of sight 52 

A soft little paw felt around Pic’s face and finally pulled out the 
handkerchief 60 

“Well — you see — dis am a letter from de Orphans’ Home,” said 
Mammy, as the tears rolled down her face 76 

A sea of black faces swam before him 34 



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Picinini 





Picinini 



The Hunted Blackling 


“Nigger! Nigger!” 

“Shame! Shame!” 

“Oh, shame on you — ^you’re blackT 

Picinini’s heart gave a thump. Were they 
all going to get after him again? He hung his 
kinky little head and tried to walk away, but 
the cruel boys followed yelling and pointing at 
him. 

Picinini looked wildly at the fast gathering 
crowd. Yes, it was to be another one of those 
bad times for him. 

He squared his lean little shoulders and 
slowly backed away. The mob pressed nearer 
and nearer. 

“Coon! Coon!” 

“Black face! Black face! ” 

“Shame! Shame!” 

“Oh, shame ! ” 

Picinini knew that it would never do to run 
for the boys would have liked nothing better 
than a good chase. But slowly and cautiously 
he retreated keeping his eye on the sea of 
[ 3 ] 


PICININI 

jeering faces and shaming fingers. Slowly and 
steadily the throng advanced. 

If Picinini could only have seen that he was 
backing into the cement wall! But he didn’t 
know it till he bumped against it and then it 
was too late. There was no way of escape now. 
He put his thin little black hands out in front of 
his face, while the heartless children struck at 
him with sticks and stones. 

These children would never have done such 
mean things if they had had a mother and 
father to teach them to be kind like most little 
boys and girls have. But they were all orphans 
and lived in one big school called the Orphans’ 
Home. Picinini was the only colored child 
among them and he often told the nurse : 

“Dey picks on me caise I’se black.” 

Now as the little black fellow stood against 
the wall facing the crowding swarm of his tor- 
mentors, the tears rolled down his face and he 
cried : 

“Ah cain’t help it caise I’se black.” 

Just then one little urchin called out: 

“Why don’t you go where the black folks 
are?” 

“Yes, why don’t you?” shouted another. 

“Well, we don’t want you here, that’s sure,” 
growled one of the boys, and so saying he 
stepped up and slapped Picinini a stinging blow 
in the face. 

A fight followed. 


[ 4 ] 


Picinini looked wildly at the fast-gathering crowd HarWnson 







PICININI 

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” yelled the children 
gathering around in a circle. 

One of the attendants came out and brought 
the two fighters into the office where they were 
scolded and then sent to bed without dinner. 

“Picinini is always getting in fights,” com- 
plained the attendant, “and I hate to punish 
him, he seems so sad and lonely here.” 

“It’s a great pity that the poor little fellow 
can’t be brought up among his own people,” 
sighed the matron as she hurried into the Dor- 
mitory where Picinini lay in his little bed 
sobbing. 

“Stop your crying and I’ll bring you some- 
thing to eat” said the matron kindly. 

“Oh, No! No!” wailed Pic. “Ah don’ wants 
to eat, all ah wants is to go away. Oh, lady! 
lady ! won’t you please take me where de chilens 
is all black like me?” 

“Dear, I can’t do that. I really wouldn’t 
know where to send you. But be a good little 
boy and don’t fight so much. Now I’ll go and 
get you a bite to eat.” 

All through the night Picinini dreamed of 
taunting faces and over and over sounded the 
words “why don’t you go where the black folks 
are?” 

Early next morning he awakened and the 
first thing that popped into his head was “Why 
don’t you go where the black folks are?” 

“I’se gwine,” he whispered to himself, and 
slipping out of bed he hastily dressed. Then 

[ 6 ] 


THE HUNTED BLACKLING 

he tiptoed past the long row of beds where all 
the little white children lay peacefully sleeping, 
and out into the large hall. Here he hesitated 
for the long hall looked very dark. It was just 
dawn. But he walked on, his little legs trem- 
bling, till he came to the door. 

Alas! it would not open. His heart stood 
still. 

“What is I gwine to do?” he thought fran- 
tically. 

Then hearing a noise, he hurried back into 
the Dormitory and slipped over to his bed. 
Just as he did so he noticed that the window near 
him was raised. 

“Dis am wonderful good luck” he thought 
as he crawled out of the window on to the 
porch. It was getting lighter now and he knew 
that he must hurry. 

Just then he dropped his shoe. It made a 
very loud noise. Picinini was shivering with 
fear lest he be caught as he flew down the path 
and out of the gates. 

Poor child, he didn’t know where he was 
going but he took the first path he found. Faster 
and faster he ran. Finally he came to a hill 
and, exhausted, dropped down to rest. 

“I’se gwine clar to de top oh dis hill before 
ah stops again,” and even though his tired little 
legs did ache he ran on. 

You could hear the “pitter patter” of his 
little feet as he hurried up the hill. 


[ 7 ] 


The Little Black Stranger 


Way up on the top of a great big lonely hill 
lived a little boy and girl and they didn’t have 
any other little boys or girls with whom to play. 
So one day when they were sitting on the back 
steps together the little girl said, “Oh Jack, what 
shall we play? Gome on, let’s think of some- 
thing new.” 

“Aw, there’s nothing to do,” he growled. 
“Besides, I’m tired of playing with you.” 

“Well, I’m tired of playing with you, too. 
Jack Gray,” said Bess throwing a handful of 
marbles down the stairs, “and I won’t ever 
speak to you again, either — ^you see !” 

“I don’t care,” sneered her brother. “Anyway 
girls don’t know how to play. They make me 
sick.” 

Bess tossed her head but true to her threat 
said not a word. There wasn’t a sound except 
for one marble that slowly rolled on down the 
steps. For a long time Jack and Bess sat very 
still looking out over the hill. 

All at once they heard the “pitter patter” of 
little feet running up the path and before they 
had time to think the gate swung open and in 
slipped a little colored boy who was black as 
black could be. 

“Ooh! ooh!” gasped Bess, “look at that little 
black boy.” 


[ 8 ] 



Harblnson 


And even though his tired little legs did ache he ran on 


PICININI 

He was barefoot and his old brown trousers 
were torn way up above the knees while his 
worn little shirt had one sleeve cut half off. On 
his head was a funny big straw hat that nearly 
covered his black little face. 

“Hello,” called Jack, “who are you?” 

“I’se Picinini,” answered the boy. 

“Where do you come from?” asked Bess. 

“Ah done comes from a orphans’ home. Fse 
runnin’ away and Fse never goin’ back da ag’in 
neither. De chilins don’ like me caise Fse black. 
Dey hits me, an’ pinches me, an’ makes fun of 
me, an’ dey calls me ‘Coon’ and ‘Nigger’ till I 
gits so mad I jes fights, and den dey all piles on 
me an’ beats me. Ah cain’t help it caise Fse 
black. Ah done reckon you-alls won’t like me 
either caise Fse black.” 

“Oh Picinini! we will too like you if you’ll 
stay here and play with us, we’re so lonesome. 
Just wait till I call mama.” But before Bess had 
finished speaking her mother stepped out on 
the porch and smiled down sadly at the forlorn 
little black fellow. Then and there she resolved 
to keep the child with her till she could com- 
municate with the Orphans’ Home. 

“Come on in, child. I’ll keep you here till I 
can investigate matters,” said Mrs. Gray. 

“Oh lady! lady! but you cain’t really mean 
that you-alls will let me stay here all of the 
time — days and nights too.” 

“Yes, Picinini, if you’ll obey me and be a 
good little boy I’ll keep you here for a while.” 

[ 10 ] 


THE LITTLE BLACK STRANGER 

“Oh lady! lady ah jes cain’t believe it’s true, 
Ah must be a-dreaming. Oh I Ah surely, surely 
am a-dreaming!” 

“Well, dear, you’ll soon learn that you are not 
dreaming. Now come into the house till I wash 
you and give you a bite to eat. You do look so 
tired and hungry.” 

In stepped Picinini and his black eyes rolled 
as Mrs. Gray brought out a plate full of big 
puffy ginger cookies with fat juicy raisins and 
great strings of cocoanut all inside and out. 

“There,” she said filling a large glass with 
creamy milk, “come and eat, child.” 

“Oh lady! lady!” exclaimed Picinini “this 
am the best Ah ever had to eat in all my life.” 

Picinini ate so fast that soon his plate was 
all bare and the glass empty. 

“Come, children, we’ll all go out in the yard 
and you can play while I sit under the tree and 
watch.” 

“Now what can we play?” asked Bess, look- 
ing at Picinini. 

“Why mercy on us, chilen! dere am a thou- 
sand games we can play. I know heaps of ’em 
and dis am such a fine big yard an’ we have it 
all for jist us three.” 

“But that’s just it — we can’t have any fun 
with jast three. If there were only lots of boys 
and girls to play with, then we’d have a good 
time,” sighed Bess. 

“What am dat youze sayin’?” asked Pic. 
“You jes’ bet I don’t wish der was lots of chilens 
[ 11 ] 


PICININI 

to play with! Why der ain’t no room to do a 
thing in, and none of ’em wants to play the same 
game an’ dey gets to fightin’ an’ Oh I it’s terrible 1 
Ah knows! You jes’ better be glad dere’s only 
three of us caise all de games I knows is for 
three anyhow.” 

“Oh Pic, tell us about them quick,” said Bess. 

“Well, dere’s de Jailman,” said Pic, “dat am 
a fine game for three.” 

“The Jailman,” repeated Jack, “I never heard 
of that. How do you play it?” 

“Well in dis game all de old papers, sticks, 
and leaves am de robbers. We am de police- 
man an’ we runs around de yard as fast as we 
can, an’ picks up all de old sticks, papers, an’ 
leaves we can find. The one that gets the biggest 
heap am de Jailman. De other two policeman 
has to put dere robbers in his Jail and dey put 
all de rubbish on his heap. Den de Jailman he 
gets a match and sets fire to the whole thing. 
In de rubbish business dey burn um instead 
of hang um. Oh! it’s jes lots o’ fun to be de 
Jailman caise he am de only one dat can set de 
fire to it.” 

The children were delighted with the new 
game and started out at once. Jack dashed 
around till it seemed he would win but he 
dropped some of his leaves and sticks in his 
rush. Bess was more careful and could have 
won if it had not been for the swiftness of 
Picinini. Picinini’s heap was by far the largest, 
so Bess and Jack put theirs on his pile. My! 

[ 12 ] 


THE LITTLE BLACK STRANGER 

what a big heap it made! Then Pic called 
“Jailman! Jailman! I’se de Jailman.” Bess ran 
to her mother to get a match for the Jailman. 
As Mrs. Gray looked around and saw the whole 
back yard all so nice and clean, and the big pile 
of rubbish in one corner, she exclaimed “Oh 
my dear children, how beautifully you have 
cleaned the yard for me! Here’s the match for 
the Jailman,” and she gave it to Pic. 

My ! what a big blaze it made ! The children 
danced around with delight. Then Mrs Gray 
took them in to get ready for dinner. And such 
a fine dinner as Pic had never eaten in his whole 
life before. 

Mr. Gray was very much pleased with Pic 
and especially when he learned how he had 
cleaned the back yard. After dinner Mr. Gray 
played marbles and other games with the chil- 
dren till it was time to go to bed. Then Mrs. 
Gray came out to tell them it was bedtime. She 
smiled as she looked at Pic’s happy little face. 
“Bedtime,” she called, and Pic instantly stopped 
playing but Jack said, “Aw, wait just a minute, 
mother!” and went on playing. 

“What you-alls a doin’?” asked Pic aston- 
ished, “didn’t you hear your mother? I jes’ 
guess after all the good things she does for us 
we better scamper to bed when she tells us to.” 

Jack and Bess very much ashamed got up 
quickly and Mrs. Gray took them off to bed. Oh 
how happy Picinini was when he found that he 
had a whole room all to himself. 

[ 13 ] 


PICININI 

It was just after Pic had crawled into his 
white little bed and Mrs. Gray had tucked him 
in so nice and warm that two big tears rolled 
down his little black face. “She am de nicest 
lady,” thought Pic; “dis am all too good to be 
true. I’se so happy Fse crying I do believe,” 
and he wiped away the tears, but more kept 
coming. So he bowed his little head and said 
his evening prayer. Then he turned over and 
went to sleep. 


[ 14 ] 



His black eyes rolled as he looked at the big puffy ginger 
cookies with fat, juicy raisins 


Harbinson 


An Old Lady’s Night-Cap 


Next morning when Pic woke up he looked 
all around and for a minute he couldn’t think 
where he was. He grinned to himself, “I done 
reckon Fse not a dreaming dis time,” and he sat 
up in bed to make sure it was all real. 

When Mrs. Gray came in to awaken him, she 
found Pic nearly dressed. 

“You smart little fellow. I’m afraid you’re 
going to beat Jack getting up these mornings,” 
she said laughingly as she heard Jack bound out 
of bed and hurry into the room. 

Mr. Gray was again pleased when he saw 
Jack up so early. You’re a fine lad,” he said, 
slapping Pic on the shoulder, “and I think Jack 
will behave himself much better since he has a 
good boy to play with.” 

Mr. Gray did not tell how he had many times 
spanked Jack to make him get up in the morn- 
ings, but he tossed a fifty-cent piece over to Pic 
and another over to Jack. Picinini’s eyes 
popped. “Dat am too much money for me,” 
he said, “why! ten cents is more’n I’se ever 
had.” 

“Keep it,” said Mr. Gray, and the boys said 
nothing more. But Pic’s eyes sparkled as he 
thought of all the things he could buy with his 
fifty cents. 

Mr. Gray gave the boys a few tasks to per- 

[ 16 ] 


AN OLD LADY’S NIGHT-CAP 

form and told them to help Mrs. Gray all they 
could during the day. Then he left for his work. 

All morning the children rushed around 
helping their mother and running errands. So 
in the afternoon Mrs. Gray let them have a little 
tea party and made some candy and cookies 
for them. Picinini was wild with delight as 
Bess set her little table out under a big tree. 
“Dis am most like Xmas or Thanksgiving. Such 
grand, grand cookies an’ that candy am mighty 
fine,” said Pic sticking a big round piece into his 
mouth. Bess and Jack laughed and they were 
all having a great time when Pic happened to 
spy a white cap hanging out on the line in their 
neighbor’s yard. “What am dat white cap out 
dere on de line?” he asked. 

“Oh, that’s old Lady Grimes’ nightcap,” said 
Jack; “she hangs it on the line every day and 
gets it every night.” 

“Does she?” said Pic and a queer look came 
into his eyes, he was thinking of a mischievous 
little trick he would like to play. “Dat am a 
funny thing to do; reckon she’d be as well off 
without dat old cap.” 

Oh well, she’s a crazy lady,” said Bess. 
“Papa says she ought to be put in the asylum.” 

“She does love that old cap of hers,” said 
Jack, “she takes it down so carefully every 
night.” 

“Oh Lordy ! Lordy !” laughed Pic. “It would 

he so funny ” 

[ 17 ] 


PICININl 

“What’s the matter?” exclaimed Jack and 
Bess. 

But he only laughed the more. Now Pic had 
forgotten to say his morning prayers or to ask 
for help to be a good boy throughout the day, so 
perhaps that accounts for his being naughty just 
at this time. “Well ah done had a surprise for 
dat old lady,” said Pic, “ah reckon she won’t 
take it off de line quite so carefully dis time; 
come on Jack, let’s find a big fat frog,” and the 
boys rushed off laughing. Bess sat very still 
for she was afraid of the old lady and still more 
afraid of a frog. 

The boys had no difficulty in finding a frog, 
but the problem was how to get it into the cap. 
Pic suggested that they wait till it was a little 
darker and then he himself would climb the 
fence and drop Mr. Frog in the cap. Bess trem- 
bled with fear at the very idea but knew better 
than to say anything. She had not been Jack’s 
sister seven years for nothing. 

Pic laughed, “Oh ! mercy on us ! Ah done wish 
we could find a big long garter snake some- 
where.” 

“Why 1 saw one just the other day down by 
the ditch,” said Jack; “let’s go and hunt him.” 

The boys were off again but they did not 
return so soon this time and Bess became 
uneasy; besides it was getting dark very fast 
now. Finally they came back and Bess shud- 
dered as she saw the long coiling snake that Pic 
was holding by the tail. “We-alls had a tirible 

[ 18 ] 


AN OLD LADY’S NIGHT-CAP 

time catching this old fellow,” said Pic; “dey 
ain’t hard to kill but dey’s hard to catch alive,” 
and he started for the fence. 

“I’ll hold him while you climb up,” said 
Jack, taking the snake in one hand and the frog 
in the other. 

Oh boys! look out or she’ll see you!” gasped 
Bess. 

“Well she can’t see me caise I’se black,” said 
Pic assuringly, “and besides I’se not scared o’ 
her any how,” and so saying he started to climb 
the fence. Jack handed him the frog and snake 
and Pic dropped them very carefully into the 
cap. Then he climbed down and they all scam- 
pered off to hide behind a bush and watch for 
the old lady to come out and get her cap. 

They waited and waited and still no sign of 
the old woman. “What if mama should call us 
to dinner before Old Lady Grimes comes out,” 
said Bess anxiously. 

“Aw, shut up,” snapped Jack, who had 
already begun to be afraid of that himself. 

“Look!” whispered Pic, “dere am a lady in 
de doorway now.” 

“Ooh! ooh! she’s coming!” said Bess, getting 
closer to Jack. 

“Oh Lordy! what a terrible looking face she- 
alls done hah!” said Pic shivering a little. 

Straight for the cap she went and started to 
take it down when up shot the snake’s head and 
out hopped the frog nearly in the old lady’s 
face. She screamed and ran for the house. 

[ 19 ] 


PICININI 


The children burst out laughing. 

Quick as a flash the old woman turned and 
was upon them. “So! this is the kind of tricks 
you play on me! you young rascal!” she cried, 
shaking her fist at Jack. 

“Oh please, please,” stammered Bess, “we 
meant no harm.” 

“Harm indeed!” shouted the old lady. “I’ll 
teach you and your brother a lesson you won’t 
forget,” and she started for Jack. 

“Stop! Stop!” yelled Pic, “Jack didn’t do it. 
I’se de one dat did de whole t’ing.” 

“You!” gasped the old lady, “why I didn’t see 
you before or I’d have known you did it, you 
black faced nigger! I’ll make you sorry before 
another sun sets,” and with that she rushed 
angrily into her house. 

The children as if dazed stood looking at 
each other, afraid to move or speak. 

Mrs. Gray stepped out on the porch and 
called in a cheery bright voice, “Dinner time, my 
children. Come quickly,” and then she went in 
again. 

Pic dropped his head and murmured, “I’se 
been a bad boy; but I done loves yo’ mama. 
What’ll she-alls think o’ me now?” 

“Well, what do you take us for?” said Jack. 
“Do you think we’re going to tell?” 

“I dunno,” said Pic shaking his head, “Ah 
done reckon we ought to tell her every t’ing.” 

“What’s the use?” argued Jack. “Dad would 
only give each one of us a licking and there’d 

[ 20 ] 




PICININl 

be the dickens of a time. You’d just get us all 
into trouble if you told.” 

“Yes Pic, we won’t say a word about it,” said 
Bess, “and now let’s run in to dinner and forget 
all about that old night cap.'* 

“Yes, forget it! That’s what I say,” said Jack 
bounding up the stairs. 

But Pic couldn’t forget it quite so easily. At 
dinner he ate very little and was so quiet that 
Mrs. Gray thought he must be ill. He was glad 
when she took him off to bed — he wanted to be 
alone. After the lights were all out and every 
one in bed. Pic put his kinky head under the 
covers and cried himself to sleep. 

He dreamed of the ugly old crazy lady; he 
dreamed of a funny nightcap; and he dreamed 
of frogs and snakes. But never once did he 
dream of the terrible, terrible thing that was 
going to happen to him the next day. The old 
crazy lady could have told him, for didn’t she 
lie awake half the night scheming and planning 
how to get Pic into her house without any one 
else knowing about it. And as the sun rose a 
little black boy lay peacefully sleeping while 
two wicked eyes glared at him thru a crack in 
the window. 


[ 22 ] 


Where's Picinini? 


Next morning while Picinini was dressing he 
saw a horrible face at his window and instantly 
it popped away. As it did not appear again he 
thought no more about it. He was too happy 
over the fifty cents in his pocket to worry over 
anything — besides today was Jack’s birthday 
and Mrs. Gray had whispered to Pic that she 
wanted to send him on an errand for her right 
after breakfast. He was so delighted that he 
hardly ate a mouthful and was ready to start 
before Jack was up. Mrs. Gray gave him fifty 
cents and told him to get a sack of sugar at the 
little store down by the foot of the hill. “Now 
Pic, hurry as fast as you can for I want to bake 
a big cake this morning,” she called. 

An ugly face peered up from behind the rose 
bush — Old Lady Grimes had heard. 

Pic started down the hill on a run. How 
proud he was to be going on an errand for Mrs. 
Gray. “And,” thought he, “I done reckon I can 
buy a present for Jack with my own money.” 
Faster and faster his little legs flew as he pic- 
turned himself selecting beautiful toys for Jack 
and paying with the bright round fifty-cent piece 
that was all his own. 

But just as he came to a turn in the path Old 
Lady Grimes jumped out in front of him. Pici- 
[ 23 ] 


PICININI 

nini’s legs shook and his teeth chattered. “You ! 
You!” he gasped. 

The old lady made a toothless grin and grab- 
bing him up ran to her house. 

“Oh!” screamed Pic. “Let me go! let me 
go!” but kick and wiggle as he might he could 
not get loose, she jammed a handkerchief in his 
mouth and then dragged him into her cellar. 

Mrs. Gray was so busy making lemon pies 
and tarts with big lumps of bright red jelly in 
them, that she didn’t notice how long Pic had 
been gone. But when it came time to make her 
cake she missed him and began to wonder why 
he did not return. “Why doesn’t the child 
come,” she fretted. “I’ll hardly have time to 
bake it if he isn’t here soon,” and she decided 
to make the frosting first. So she began to chop 
the nuts and raisins. 

Jack and Bess were playing out in the back 
yard and they kept running in, asking their 
mother where Pic was. But Mrs. Gray always 
told them not to bother because Pic was doing 
something for her. 

But this time when they asked for him her 
face clouded and she said “The naughty little 
fellow! I’m afraid he has run away.” 

“Run away!” exclaimed Jack and Bess. 

“Yes,” said Mrs. Gray, “he’s been gone all 
morning. I sent him down to the store for some 
sugar and he has not returned yet.” 

“Oh dear! Oh dear!” sobbed Bess, “he won’t 
be here for Jack’s birthday dinner.” 


[ 24 ] 


WHERE’S PICININI 

“I don’t believe it,” said Jack stoutly. “Pic 
is a good boy. He must have lost his way.” 

“I fear the money was too great a temptation 
for him,” said Mrs. Gray sadly. 

“I don’t believe Pic would steal,” quavered 
Jack and then he burst out crying. 

It was a sad day indeed for a birthday but 
Jack watched and waited hopefully till it grew 
dark and his father came home with his armful 
of packages. 

“Happy birthday to you,” said Mr. Gray 
kissing his boy as he put the presents into his 
hands. 

Jack, hardly looking at the pretty toys, leaned 
against his father’s arm and began to cry pit- 
ifully. 

“Jack my boy, what is it?” asked his father 
in amazement. 

“Oh! I can’t tell you,” wailed Jack as his 
father led him into the house. 

Mrs. Gray told her husband all that had 
happened. 

“Oh there’s no mistake about it, the little 
rascal has run away with the money,” said Mr. 
Gray regretfully. “Let this be a lesson to us 
never to take in strange little boys again. See 
how he has spoiled Jack’s birthday,” and putting 
his arms around Jack urged him to be a good 
boy and forget all about Pic. 

“Come now,” called Mrs. Gray, “the birthday 
dinner is all ready. Let us forget the unpleasant 
things and try to enjoy our dinner.” 

[ 25 ] 


PICININI 

But try as they would not one of them could 
forget the black little face, that would have 
beamed with joy at sight of such a dinner. 

That night when they all went to bed Jack 
kept wondering as he lay snug and warm in his 
little bed, “Where’s Pic?” 

And even Mr. Gray found himself pondering 
over and over “Where’s Picinini?” 


[ 26 ] 


In the Cellar 


As soon as Old Lady Grimes had gotten Pic- 
inini down in her cellar, she drew the handker- 
chief out of his mouth and pushed him with all 
her might which sent him sprawling head first 
in the corner. Then she darted out and locked 
the door behind her. Pic lay in a little heap on 
the damp floor. His nose was bleeding and Oh ! 
how his thin little arms ached where the old 
lady had held him with her long bony fingers. 

Finally he got up but it was so dark he could 
hardly see and his leg began to hurt. 

Then he thought of Jack’s birthday and the 
errand oh which he was sent and how Mrs. Gray 
had told him to “Hurry back.” He gave a choked 
cry and rushing to the door banged on it, strug- 
gling with all his slender might to wrench it 
open. 

In vain were all his efforts — and exhausted 
he dropped down against the door and sobbed 
as if his heart would break. 

Suddenly he heard the old lady coming down 
the stairs. His heart began to pound. Now she 
was unlocking the door. Pic was fairly shiver- 
ing as old lady Grimes opened the door and 
stepped in with a big long riding whip. “Now,” 
she chuckled, “I’ll make you pay for putting 
frogs in my nightcap,” and at once began lash- 
ing his lean little shoulders. Pic screamed with 
[ 27 ] 


PI CIN IN I 

pain. Finally she stopped, saying “This is a 
good sample of what you’ll get each day.” 

“Oh!” cried Pic holding up his bleeding little 
fingers, that had been so cruelly cut by the 
whip, “won’t you please let me go now? I’se 
done sorry for what I did, and I’ll never, never 
do it again. Oh! please, let me go.” 

“Ho! Ho!” laughed the old lady, “so you 
really thought I’d let you go did you ! Well when 
I’m through with you back to the Orphans’ 
Home you’ll go as fast as I can take you there.” 

Pic’s knees began to shake and for a minute 
he could hardly speak for the dryness of his 
tongue. “Oh lady! lady! don’t take me back to 
dat awful! awful! place,” he wailed. “Oh no! 
no I NO.'” 

But the old lady had already left him. 

Pic was so weak from fright and pain that he 
fell over senseless on the floor. 

When old lady Grimes came back to the 
cellar she found him lying on his back motion- 
less. She was well frightened for at first she 
thought him dead. She grabbed him up and 
splashed cold water on him. Finally he opened 
his eyes, but when he saw the ugly face over 
him he shut them quickly and shuddered. 

“Wake up there,” said she shaking him 
roughly. “You would try to scare me would 
you!” 

Then when she found he was too weak to 
stand alone she laid him down and said she’d 
give him a crust of bread and a glass of water. 

[ 28 ] 


IN THE CELLAR 

“Fse not hungry,” said Pic in a faint little 
voice. “I’se done sure Fse going to die. If you- 
alls will only take dis fifty cents back to Mrs. 
Gray, caise she’ll think I done stole it. Please 
lady! won’t you?” And the tears rolled down his 
cheeks as he held the money out. 

“You silly boy, you’re not going to die. And 
besides. I’ll just take that for myself,” she said 
snatching it out of his hand. 

“Oh mercy on me!” moaned Pic and sank 
over in another faint. 

Old Lady Grimes ran upstairs, leaving Pic 
sick and feverish to lie there all night on the 
damp cellar floor. 


\ 


[ 29 ] 


The Rescue 


Next morning when Mr. Gray woke up he 
heard some one groaning — it sounded far off 
and muffled. He jumped up and dressed 
quickly. Then he called to his wife, “Do you 
hear that? I believe it’s Picinini outside some- 
where.” 

“That’s just who it is,” said Mrs. Gray getting 
up. “Poor little fellow is sorry for running 
away and has returned. Let us forgive him and 
take him back.” 

“Yes, of course we will,” said Mr. Gray hurry- 
ing out. But he found no one anywhere. The 
children got up and when they heard about it 
Jack and Bess looked at each other. “Old Lady 
Grimes !” they gasped in one breath. 

Then they told all about the nightcap affair, 
and how the old lady had threatened Picinini. 

Mr. Gray set to work planning a way to res- 
cue the poor little fellow. “We must get the old 
lady out of her house some way,” he said, “then 
I’ll rush in and save Pic.” 

But how to get her out was the problem. 

“I have it,” shouted Mr. Gray, “we’ll pretend 
the house is on fire, make a big racket, and rush 
out yelling ‘Fire! fire!’ That’ll fetch the old 
lady Grimes for she is deathly afraid of a fire.” 

“Let’s be about it at once,” said Mrs. Gray 

[ 30 ] 


THE RESCUE 

peeking between the curtains, “for there she is 
now at her window.” 

“Now’s the time, then! Come on!” called Mr. 
Gray rushing into the kitchen, and in a minute 
tin pans were banging, boxes crashing, and such 
a yelling and hollering as old lady Grimes had 
never heard. She stuck her head out of the 
window to see what the trouble was. Just then 
Mrs. Gray and her children dashed outside 
screaming “Fire! Fire! Fire!” 

The old woman shot out in the yard like a 
flash at the first word of fire. 

Mr. Gray slipped into the Grimes house and 
dashed from room to room looking for Picinini, 
but nowhere could he find him. He was filled 
with terror lest the old lady return at any min- 
ute and spoil everything. 

Just then he heard a feeble groan which 
sounded as if it were right at his feet. He 
looked under the table, under the sofa, and 
under the bed calling softly “Pic! Pic!” But 
there was no answer. 

A thought struck him — “the cellar!” He tore 
down in an instant, but alas ! the door was locked 
fast. Now he could hear the groans distinctly. 
What should he do! each moment he was in 
danger of being caught. 

Seizing an ax he smashed the door down and 
rushed into where Picinini lay tossing and 
groaning. 

Mr. Gray stooped down and carefully lifting 
the prostrate little figure in his arms, dashed out. 

[31 ] 


PICININI 

The old woman was so frightened that she 
did not return to her house till long after Pic 
was lying safely in his little white bed with Mrs. 
Gray tenderly watching over him. 

When old lady Grimes finally went into the 
cellar to give Pic his bread and water, she threw 
up her hands and shrieked with rage as she saw 
that the door had been broken open. Then she 
flew down the hill tearing her hair and scream- 
ing — she had gone mad. Some officers caught 
her and she was taken to an asylum. 

Mrs. Gray rejoiced when she heard the news 
for now at last she and her children need no 
longer fear the old crazy woman. 

Pic was treated like a little prince — Bess and 
Jack hovered round his bed giving him their 
toys and telling him stories while their mother 
fed him broth and milk-toast. “Fse shore gwine 
to get well in a hustle wid all dese fine t’ings yo’ 
all am a-givin’ me,” said Pic in his high-pitched 
happy little voice. 

That night every one was happy and all slept 
peacefully with Picinini once more in their 
midst and old lady Grimes safely in an asylum. 


[ 32 ] 


Pic in School 


Early next morning Jack and Bess were up, 
rushing around excitedly for it was the first day 
of school. 

“Oh mama! don’t you think Pic is well 
enough to go with us?” begged Jack. 

“Yes, I’m sure the fresh air would do him 
good; but he could never go to school in those 
old clothes of his. So I’m afraid he’ll have to 
stay at home today.” 

“Aw, let him have my new suit,” pleaded 
Jack, “and you can make me another.” 

Mrs. Gray was happy to see such unselfish- 
ness in her boy and hurrying to Pic asked him 
how he’d like to go to school. 

Pic rolled his eyes in glee. “I reckon dat am 
a fine idea.” Then his face fell, “But dese clothes 
am a sight.” 

“Well, dear, I have a suit for you. Come to 
my room and I’ll dress you at once,” she said 
taking him by the hand. 

When Pic stepped out of Mrs. Gray’s room 
he looked like a little prince. His kinky hair 
was oiled and brushed back slick. He had a 
Buster Brown collar and a bright red tie. His 
little navy blue suit and tan‘ shoes and socks 
were all new. He wore a big checked cap that 
Jack gave him, and a prouder boy you never 
have seen. 

[ 33 ] 


PICININI 

“I’se done sure I’d never know myself,” 
laughed Pic. 

“Hurry up,” called Jack, “or we’ll be late,” 
and they all started off for school. 

“What am your school like,” asked Pic as 
they hurried along. “Do dey whip you much?” 

“No indeed,” said Bess proudly, “our teacher 
is a good lady and hardly ever touches any of 
us, unless we’re very, very bad.” 

“I done reckon it’s heaps better at your 
school dan at der orphans’ home,” beamed Pic, 
looking down at his new suit. 

The first bell rang just as the children 
reached the foot of the hill. “Run!” cried Jack, 
and they flew into the school yard long before 
the last bell had time to ring. But where were 
all the children? Pic could only see six or 
seven. Bess explained that there never was 
more than eleven or twelve in their school. 

“Dere was nearly a hundred of us,” said Pic 
sadly. 

“Ooh! how nice,” gasped Bess, “we always 
love to have new ones come, won’t the class be 
glad to see that there’s one new boy this year!” 
And sure enough, all the children gathered 
round the little black stranger with much curi- 
osity and finding him such a good friend of 
Jack and Bess they made all sorts of friendly 
overtures. 

By the time the last bell rang Pic was a most 
popular and admired little hero; for Jack had 

[ 34 ] 


PIC IN SCHOOL 

lost no time in reciting the blood curdling adven- 
tures of Pic with old lady Grimes. 

The children wide eyed, looked on Picinini 
with awe and as they formed in line there was 
a big scramble to get near Pic. In fact the 
shoving and pushing became so bad that their 
teacher, Miss Vars, had to straighten them out. 

Then they all marched inside and as Pic was 
in the same grade with Jack they sat side by side 
at a double desk. How the other boys envied 
Jack! 

School began in earnest and Jack soon found 
that he would have to work harder than ever 
before if he wished to keep with Pic in school. 
And indeed Jack had no intention of letting Pic 
go ahead of him and what would be still worse 
lose his place by him at their desk. No! for 
many undefined reasons Jack fought manfully 
to get his work as good as Pic’s and he strained 
every effort toward his studies. The result was 
that by recess Jack had several papers to be 
proud of and he could hardly wait till evening 
when his father could see them. 

Recess found the children even more inter- 
ested in Picinini for his very brightness in school 
commanded their admiration. How they flocked 
around him, always naming him their leader 
or captain in their games. Pic was never so 
happy in his whole life and at last the little 
fellow forgot that he was black. His eyes were 
shining as he marched back into the school 
room and he studied so hard that even Miss 

[ 35 ] 


PI CIN IN I 

Vars was astonished at his excellent papers. 
Jack also surprised her with his splendid work 
and she praised both the boys before the whole 
class. 

So at noon two radiant lads sat out under a 
tree while Bess opened the lunch her mother 
had prepared for them. Ooh! how good it 
looked! There were dainty sandwiches of all 
kinds — cheese, meat, egg and jelly. Next came 
some of Mrs. Gray’s big puffy ginger cookies, 
and under that were three large bananas. Down 
at the very bottom were a few nuts and raisins. 
You should have seen those children eat! There 
wasn’t a crumb left. “How do you like school 
now?” asked Jack between bites. 

Picinini’s mouth was bulging on both sides 
and it took several seconds for his answer to 
work its way out, “I done loves this school.” 

“I thought you would,” said Jack after he 
had with some difficulty swallowed a large 
mouthful of ginger cake, “and I like school 
much better myself since you are here.” 

Then Bess jumped up and ran toward the 
high board fence yelling “here comes Daisy!” 

There in the gate stood a little girl in a white 
stiff-starched dress and a dainty white hat with 
shoes to match. Her father was the richest man 
in that village and owned a big fine house and 
many beautiful horses, one of which was kept 
for Daisy to ride. 

The children who were fast gathering around 
Pic did not rush to meet Daisy as was their usual 

[ 36 ] 



A little girl in a white stiff-starched dress sauntered 
by Pic with her nose high in the air 


Harblnson 


PICININI 

custom and even Bess had only come to tell her 
about the new boy. This state of affairs vexed 
Miss Daisy exceedingly and by the time she had 
sauntered up to where Pic stood telling the boys 
about a new game, her nose was high in the air. 
Daisy tried to snub him in every way, but the 
children were so interested in the game that no 
one noticed her. 

Now indeed was Daisy angry at Pic, and 
pointing to him cried “Shame! Shame! you 
black nigger.” 

They all looked up in surprise and no one 
said a word. Picinini’s face fell and a sad con- 
fused looked came into his eyes. 

“Coon! Coon! Coon !” she laughed. “Who’d 
play with a coon!” 

The children began to regard Pic in a new 
light; and some of them stepped away from him. 
Encouraged by the effect of her cruel taunts 
Daisy continued to laugh and make fun of him 
till nearly every child was at her side giggling 
and pointing too. Even Bess tried to edge away 
so she could not be thought entirely on Pic’s 
side. 

Every name the children called him had 
stabbed Picinini like a knife. He would far 
rather have had a beating from old lady 
Grimes than to have all those boys and girls 
laughing and pointing at him. 

After one look at Pic’s tortured little face 
Jack, with eyes blazing, stepped up in front of 
Daisy and shaking his fist at her, told her she 

[ 38 ] 


PIC IN SCHOOL 

was the meanest thing he ever knew and added 
“I’d rather be black than to be a hateful old 
white-rat like you.” 

Daisy slapped him full in the face and yelled 
“Nigger! Nigger! Hear that! Jack wants to be 
a nigger!” 

Miss Vars stepped out and giving Daisy a 
good shaking said sternly “Don’t you ever dare 
to make fun of Picinini again.” But the minute 
her teacher’s back was turned Daisy began mak- 
ing faces at Pic and all day long in school she 
kept it up. 

Picinini’s face burned and his wounded little 
heart ached. He didn’t do his work so well 
either, and Miss Vars getting out of patience 
when he had made several blunders, sent him 
out in the hall. Pic stumbled out of the room 
hardly seeing where he went, for the tears were 
blinding his eyes. He dropped down in the 
farthest corner of the long hall and burying his 
hot cheeks in his little black hands sobbed 
pitifully. 

As he sat there, a dejected little heap in the 
corner, some strange music sounded in the 
distance. Over and over the little tune grinded 
and louder and louder it grew till Pic was sure 
it must be just outside. So he slipped out into 
the school yard and seeing nothing, ran on down 
to the gate. 

Sure enough! Just outside stood an Italian 
with his organ and a little black monkey, that 
jumped off his master’s shoulder as soon as he 
[ 39 ] 


PICININ I 

saw Pic and walked straight over to him. Then 
the monkey took off his little green hat and held 
it out looking up pleadingly into Picinini’s tear- 
stained face. 

Pic smiled and dropped a penny into the 
cap. Quick as a flash the monkey pocketed the 
money, replaced his cap, and was at Pic’s side 
running his little brown hands through each 
pocket till he found another penny which was 
the last cent that Picinini had. 

“Yes, I done reckon you can keep it, caise 
you am black too,” said Pic hugging Mr. Monkey 
up close to him. The monkey slipped a soft 
little arm round Pic’s neck and rested his tiny 
head against Pic’s shoulder. 

“What am its name?” asked Picinini over- 
joyed at such signs of affection. 

“He gotta nice name. Ha! Wat you tink? 
I calla him ‘Antonio’.” 

‘‘Antonio,” repeated Pic softly, “here am 
some raisins.” The monkey ^te them all but 
one, and looking up in his new friend’s face held 
the last raisin out for Pic to take. Then he ran 
his hand over Picinini’s face and through his 
kinky hair chattering and gabbling all the while. 

“How much would you-alls be willing to sell 
Antonio for?” asked Pic squeezing the monkey 
closer. 

“You no gotta mon’ee,” growled Pedro 
suspiciously, “so why you ask-a? Eh? You 
better no try-a to steal-a him or I put-a you 
in-a de jail,” and snatching the monkey up, he 

[ 40 ] 


PIC IN SCHOOL 

started to play his organ for the children were 
just marching out of school. Pic ran on home 
before any of them could overtake him. 

That night he told himself that he hated 
school and he wished he could die. He forgot 
his new suit; he forgot his perfect spelling and 
arithmetic papers with a bright gold star pasted 
at the top of each one; he forgot the little black 
monkey, Antonio; and he forgot his best friend 
Jack. All he could think of was a little girl in a 
fluffy white dress pointing her finger at him and 
calling him “Nigger!” 

Finally worn out with fretting Picinini fell 
fast asleep; and down through his window the 
little stars twinkled brightly, as if they knew all 
about the good fortune that was coming to him 
on the morrow. 


The Little Girl in White 


Picinini didn’t want to go to school next day 
but Mrs. Gray told him he must learn how to 
read and write and speak correctly so that when 
he grew up he’d be a big smart man. After tell- 
ing him not to pay any attention to what might 
be said to him at school, she gave him a note 
for the teacher. This note explained how 
unkind the children had been to Pic, and re- 
quested Miss Vars to se'e that it did not occur 
again. 

All day Jack and Pic stayed together playing 
marbles or spinning tops at recess and noon. 
None of the others bothered them and even 
Daisy (“De little girl in white” as Pic called her) 
kept her distance and never said a word. So 
Pic was quite contented that night as they all 
started home from school. 

They passed the organ grinder with his little 
black monkey, Antonio; and as the boys and 
girls gathered round Antonio began to pass his 
tiny green hat and he was rewarded with sev- 
eral pennies. But it seemed to Pic that the little 
monkey looked very tired and hungry, so he 
stepped forward and handed Antonio a few big 
nuts that he had saved from his lunch. The 
little fellow looked up into Picinini’s face with 
a human-like expression of gratitude as he 
gravely took the nuts and began to crack one. 

[ 42 ] 


LITTLE GIRL IN WHITE 

But when Pic stepped back with the children, 
Antonio flew after him and perching himself on 
Pic’s shoulder continued to eat and crack nuts. 
They all laughed at this and Daisy began to try 
to pet him. But the monkey didn’t like “the 
little girl in white,” and shaking his head angrily 
at her threw some nut-shells right in Daisy’s 
face. The boys and girls laughed loudly and 
Daisy began to cry. Then Antonio began to 
mimic her wrinkling up his face into a frightful 
grimace and digging his little fists into his eyes. 

The children shrieked with laughter and this 
enraged Daisy, who once more took her spite 
out on Picinini. “Oh I don’t care,” said she, 
“he’s an old black thing like Pic.” 

Antonio seemed to understand her for he 
raised up on his hind legs and scowling fiercely 
into her face, he grabbed her white lace hat and 
tore it into pieces, screeching angrily at her all 
the while. 

The Italian was unable to get his pet before 
Daisy’s hat was all in tatters. But Pedro took 
his monkey away; and the children started on 
home. 

Daisy was far too angry to cry and she 
seemed somehow to blame the whole thing on 
Pic. So she went out of her way to walk in 
front of him and call back “Nigger! Nigger! 
black like a monkey!” and similar names. How- 
ever, Pic paid little heed to her taunting for he 
was getting used to it, and besides he was think- 
ing of Antonio and he grinned gleefully as he 
[ 43 ] 


PICININI 

thought how the little monkey had treated Miss 
Daisy who was just at that moment turning 
around with another insult. 

They were crossing a stream on a little foot- 
bridge and just as she turned her foot slipped 
and the little girl in the white stiff-starched 
dress fell into the deepest part of the stream. 

At first the children laughed and then as they 
realized that Daisy was drowning they began to 
scream for help. Some of them ran for the 
nearest house but they found no one at home 
except an old woman. Two of the boys ran for 
Daisy’s father. 

In the meantime poor Daisy was strangling 
and flopping around in the water unable to even 
call for help. Down, down she went and all her 
struggling ceased but she did not forget that she 
was drowning. Over and over in her mind the 
word “Nigger” kept coming — at first faintly and 
then more clearly till finally she recalled the 
whole scene on the bridge. She could see exactly 
how Pic’s face twitched with pain each time she 
had called at him. “Oh!” she thought, “how 
could I be so mean!” and she prayed “Dear 
God, forgive me before I die.” 

Up on the bridge the children were wailing 
“we can’t get help ! Oh dear ! See ! she’s drown- 
ing! This is the third time she’s come up! Oh 
dear! Oh dear!” 

Picinini ripped off his coat and shoes saying 
“Ah can’t swim only dog fashion and ah don’t 
see how I can save her. But I’se gwine to try.” 

[ 44 ] 



Picinini ripped off his coat and shoes saying, “Ah can’t 
swim only dog fashion, but I’se gwine to try an’ save her” 


Harbinson 


PICININl 

He leaped into the water reaching Daisy just 
as she was going down for the last time. For 
just a second she opened her eyes, then made a 
frantic snatch at Pic’s neck, and fell back totally 
unconscious. This made it easy for Pic. Hold- 
ing her with one arm and paddling with all his 
might, he made straight for the bank. 

An auto came tearing down the road at full 
speed. It stopped with an awful jerk. Daisy’s 
father jumped out and came dashing over to 
Pic who was just reaching shore with his burden. 

Mr. Stevens stooped down and lifting his 
unconscious little girl in his arms plunged back 
to the car. He wrapped her up tight in the 
laprobe, for she was soaking wet. Then he 
leaped into the car and whirled away for the 
doctor. 

Daisy’s life was in danger and a moment’s 
delay might prove fatal, so her father did not 
stop to thank Picinini or even see if he was 
all right. But Mr. Stevens had not forgotten the 
little black fellow who struggled so manfully 
with his drowning daughter. 

Picinini was a sorry looking sight as he 
trudged along dripping wet. He was shivering 
all over when he reached home and Mrs. Gray 
gave him a hot bath and wrapping him in warm 
flannels put him to bed. She called Pic a “Real 
Hero” as she brought him a glass of hot milk. 

Picinini had nearly fallen asleep when Mrs. 
Gray came into his room and a big man stood in 
the doorway. 


[ 46 ] 


LITTLE GIRL IN WHITE 

“So this is the brave little lad who saved my 
daughter’s life,” said Mr. Stevens stepping over 
to the bed. 

“I’se done glad dat de little girl am alive,” 
said Picinini raising up in bed. 

Jack and Bess slipped into the room unno- 
ticed while Mr. Stevens was telling Pic about the 
beautiful big black horse that he was going to 
give to him next day. 

Pic’s eyes were dancing as he said excitedly 
“I’ll let Jack ride him too, and oh! won’t it be 
grand!” 

Then Mr. Stevens left the house after telling 
Pic to come early next morning for his horse. 
“And,” said he, “Daisy wants you to come and 
see her. She said to tell you that she loves you 
now.” 

Mrs. Gray could hardly get the children off 
to bed that night as it seemed they would never 
get through jabbering about the day’s excite- 
ment. 

Little Pic was so happy, he could hardly go 
to sleep for thinking that on the next day he 
would have a really truly horse for his very own. 
He decided upon a name for it then and there. 
“I’se gwine to name him ‘Tony’ after the mon- 
key,” Pic whispered to himself, “for dat am 
mose like Antonio. And oh! I done be so glad 
dat my horse am black like myself and Antonio.” 

Then the happy boy drifted off into Dream- 
land where he had his first ride on Tony. 


[ 47 ] 


The Three Blacks 


It was five o’clock in the morning. Every 
one was sound asleep but Master Pic, and should 
you have stepped over to his little bed you would 
have seen a pair of eyes wide open. 

“Oh goody,” thought Picinini, “dis am Satur- 
day an’ we can ride all day.” 

Jack awakened next and slipped into Pic’s 
room where the two boys whispered till break- 
fast time. 

At last Picinini was on his way to Daisy’s 
house. He had wanted Jack to go with him but 
Mrs. Gray objected saying that Mr. Stevens had 
only invited Pic. Our little hero was soon tim- 
idly knocking at the big glass door, which 
opened immediately and Mrs. Stevens drew 
Picinini into the house, saying brokenly “Oh! 
little boy! If it had not been for you my Daisy 
would be in a little coffin by now,” and the tears 
were in her eyes as she led him into her little 
daughter’s room. 

“Picinini! Picinini!” cried Daisy. “Oh how 
I love you! Won’t you forgive me for being so 
mean?” 

“Dat am all right,” said Pic going over to her 
bedside. “Did you-alls know about de horse 
your father’s goin’ to give me?” 

“I should say so,” laughed Daisy. “I’m the 
one that told Daddy to do it.” 


[ 48 ] 


THE THREE BLACKS 

“Yes,” smiled Mrs. Stevens, “my husband 
couldn’t think what to do for you to show his 
appreciation till Daisy suggested the horse.” 

“Dere’s nothing in de world I’d rather have,” 
said Picinini, “unless it was Antonio and I’se 
done named my horse after him only I call him 
Tony for short.” 

“Tony,” repeated Daisy. “Isn’t that a pretty 
name!” 

Then Mr. Stevens came in to get Pic, for he 
had the horse saddled and ready that he might 
give the boy his first lesson. 

Mr. Stevens gave Picinini a pair of dark tan 
leggins and riding cap to put on before starting 
off. Then what a sight Pic beheld as he stepped 
out. There stood a shining black horse with long 
waving mane and high arched neck. 

“Oh!” gasped Picinini who had never seen 
such a fine horse in all his life. 

“This is a token of our gratitude to you, my 
boy,” said Mr. Stevens smiling into Pic’s radiant 
face. “This horse is only four years old and you 
will be his first master. I broke him in myself.” 

“Oh Lordy! Lordy!” exclaimed Picinini. 
“He am a beaut!” 

“And now for the lesson,” said Mr. Stevens, 
lifting Pic up on the saddle. First he taught the 
excited little fellow how to mount and dismount 
easily, then he explained the method of con- 
trolling and reining, after which Mr. Stevens 
mounted one of his horses and the two rode off 
together. 

[ 49 ] 


PICININl 

Picinini proved to be an apt pupil and soon 
he was galloping over to show his wonderful 
steed to Jack and Bess. Mrs. Gray was happy to 
see the boys so elated and she declared she had 
never seen such a beautiful horse before. 

Picinini could hardly wait till Jack crawled 
up back of him and they started off for another 
ride. Mr. Stevens said that as soon as Daisy was 
well enough she could take Bess with her and 
thus all four of them could go riding together. 

How the boys enjoyed their dashing ride 
down the road, for Tony was a young spirited 
horse well adapted for speed. 

Mr. Stevens explained how very injurious it 
is to a horse to run fast very long. Then he took 
them home, saying he would come again the 
next day to give another lesson. 

The boys led Tony into the barn which had 
been all cleaned and made ready that very 
morning. Mrs. Gray could hardly get Pic or 
Jack away from the stable long enough to eat 
their lunch. And as soon as they had swallowed 
a few mouthfuls they were back in the barn 
again with Tony. How they wished they might 
have just one little ride, but Mrs. Gray had said 
“No, not until tomorrow.” So they contented 
themselves with stroking and talking to Tony 
who seemed rather to enjoy their attentions. 

At dusk the boys waited anxiously for Mr. 
Gray to come home that they might show him 
their beloved Tony. “If we could only ride out 
a little way to meet Dad,” said Jack with a sigh. 

[ 50 ] 


THE THREE BLACKS 

“We-alls better mind yo mama I reckon, but 
it am a shame,” Picinini said looking wistfully 
at his beautiful horse. 

“We wouldn’t even need the saddle,” sug- 
gested Jack, “and we could just ride to the gate.” 

“Ah dunno tho,” temporized Pic. “Dis am 
not mindin’ you mama,” but his little legs were 
taking him straight to the pony, which was still 
bridled. 

“You ride a while first till he gets used to you, 
then ril get on,” said Jack, who was just a little 
afraid of a horse. 

Picinini’s ears burned as he led Tony out of 
the barn and nervously glanced toward the 
house before he mounted. Instantly the horse 
shot out of the yard on a run. Poor Pic could 
do nothing but struggle to stick on. Down the 
road tore the horse, faster and faster. 

Under a tree sat the Italian with his little 
monkey, Antonio, who was swinging about in 
the branches above. Just as Pic flew by the 
monkey leaped on his shoulders, and leaving 
only a cloud of dust before the dumbfounded 
Italian’s eyes “The Three Blacks” whisked out of 
sight. 


Pedro’s Treachery 


For a second the Italian stood glaring down 
the road and then an evil smile passed over his 
face and he slowly nodded his head. “I getta 
him put in de jail,” he said between his teeth, 
“and may be de policeman belief dat de kid 
take-a dis mon-ee dat I stole from the store 
today.” 

Just then three big robbers came running 
down the road. Pedro stepped out to meet them. 
“Did you get-a much of de mon-ee?” whispered 
Pedro. 

“Aw, we’ll talk about that when we meet at 
the old barn. We’ve got to run now for our 
lives,” said the robbers as they rushed on. 

“Don’t forget to meet us tonight in the old 
barn,” they called back hastily. 

Pedro was the spy for these thieves. He 
had a good excuse to stand under people’s win- 
dows with the monkey and play his organ. No 
one ever guessed that he was spying around to 
find out where they kept their money and how 
much they had. Then in the night time he would 
meet the robbers in an old barn that stood way 
out on a lonely road far below the village. Here 
the thieves would plan their robberies. 

Today they had stolen all the money from the 
little store beyond the school house. Pic had 
dashed by there a few minues after. 


[ 52 ] 


Harbinson The three blacks whisked out of sight 



\ 


/ 


PICININl 

It looked very plain that the child had stolen 
the money and Pedro’s wicked eyes gleamed 
as he started to find a policeman. 

The policeman was nodding in a big chair 
when Pedro came up to him. “A leetle boy 
steela my monk-ee and ride by fast on a horse. 
Then I follow leetle way and see him stop at 
store — what for I don know,” said the clever 
Italian. “Pretty soon he run out wid leetle bag 
an’ jump on horse. Den, presto! he gone.” 

“Oh ho!” said the policeman jumping up. 
“He is the one I’m after. I can tell you what he 
stopped at that little store for. Why, he stole 
all the money out of the till,” and he rushed off 
to tell the other policemen that it was a little 
colored boy who stole the money and not the 
three big men they suspected. 

Pedro was well pleased with his day’s work 
and started down the road slowly till he got be- 
yond the village. Then he turned hastily into a 
path which led to the barn by a short cut. 

In the meantime the alarm had been spread 
all over the village about the terrible robbery 
and how a little colored boy, after stealing Pe- 
dro’s monkey, had taken the money at the store. 

Mr. Gray and Jack, who started out to see 
what had happened to Pic, were indignant when 
they first heard the report. But as the night 
passed and there was no sign of Pic Mr. Gray 
began to fear that it was true, and Mr. Stevens 
said he was afraid the report was correct. Jack 
declared stoutly that he knew better and begged 

[ 54 ] 


PEDRO’S TREACHERY 

his father to search for Pic. But Mr. Gray led 
Jack home and sent him to bed. 

All through the night Jack would wake up 
and slip into Picinini’s room to see if it wasn’t all 
a bad dream; but each time he found the little 
white bed empty. 


[ 55 ] 


The Three Robbers 


As Picinini and the monkey dashed down the 
hill on their mad ride they passed the school 
house, the village store and a cottage now and 
then, till finally they had left the little town far 
behind them and were speeding along a rough 
and unused road into a wild and deserted part 
of the country. Picinini was so weak that he was 
flopping from side to side and his little legs 
throbbed with pain. A moment more and he 
would have tumbled off, but just then Tony be- 
gan to slow up and stare straight ahead at an old 
barn that stood by the road. Then he trotted 
right up to it and stopped. 

Pic slid off the horse as best he could, uttering 
a cry of pain as he did so, for his little legs were 
so stiff that he could hardly move and he was 
faint and dizzy. He steadied himself for a few 
minutes and then led Tony and the monkey into 
the open barn. It was quite dark inside and very 
barren except for a few piles of hay which 
looked like they had been used for beds rather 
than feed. There was also an old lantern hang- 
ing near the door, but Pic hunted all over with- 
out finding a match. Tony had already begun to 
eat hay and the monkey was hopping about 
peeking into boxes and swinging along the raft- 
ers, at the same time jabbering loudly. Antonio 
looked so ghost-like as he flitted about in the dim 

[ 56 ] 


THE THREE ROBBERS 

light that it made Pic feel creepy. “Antonio! 
you come down here!” Picinini called sharply. 
The monkey slid down in an instant and slip- 
ping one brown paw around Pic’s neck he held 
up a bunch of matches. 

“You dear little fellow,” cried Pic taking the 
matches, “now we can have a light,” and he lit 
the lanern. 

“Fse done glad you am here wid me, caise I’se 
scared to death,” shivered Pic, “and it’s gettin’ 
mighty dark outside. I reckon we-alls will have 
to stay here till mornin’.” And the little monkey 
cuddled up to Pic like he meant to go to sleep 
then and there. 

“Am you hungry?” asked Pic sadly. With 
considerable jabbering Antonio ran over to a 
big box and slipping his little paw under the lid 
brought out a cracker. 

“Oh!” cried Pic, “you do understand every- 
thing I say, don’t you? 1 wasn’t sure before but 
now I know.” 

Pic went over and lifting the lid found there 
a small quantity of fresh food such as bread, 
ham, cheese and crackers. Setting his lantern 
by the box he and Antonio had quite a feed 
while the horse stood near by munching his hay. 
Pic began to feel more comfortable and taking 
his lantern in one hand and Antonio on his 
shoulder he stepped out to find some water. 
Just outside was an old pump and a bucket, 
which he quickly filled with water and hurried 
inside. He drank some himself from an old tin 
[57] 


PI GIN IN I 

cup and gave a little to the monkey which lapped 
it up gratefully. Then he gave the rest to Tony, 
who had already begun to sigh and cough. Pic 
knew that his poor horse was very tired and 
patting him lovingly said, “Tony, Tse done sorry 
we-alls gotta stay here, but you knows. Honey, 
you am de one dat brought us here ; but I allows 
I hadn’t any right to ride off like dat. So let’s 
go to sleep like good chilens.” Then Picinini 
snuggled down on a pile of hay with his monkey 
in his arms and Tony, leg weary, lay down also. 
The lantern, which was a great source of com- 
fort to Pic, flickered dimly in the corner. The 
child was almost asleep when he heard steps 
outside and muffled voices. Just as he raised up 
three big men came stumbling in. 

“Ho! Ho!” yelled one, “what have we here?” 

“Ah !” exclaimed another, “a horse !” 

“By Jove! That’s luck!” ejaculated the third. 
“What are you doing here, kid?” he asked as 
he saw Picinini. 

“Fse sleepin’ here till mornin’,” stammered 
Pic, and his legs were shaking so he could hardly 
get up. 

“Well, sleep away. We won’t stop you,” 
laughed one of the men, giving the horse a kick 
and jerking him up on his feet. 

“You stop that!’ screamed Pic. “Don’t you 
dare to kick my Tony.” 

“Hear the little rascal,” jeered the robbers. 
“Bless us if he hasn’t got a monkey, too.” 


[ 58 ] 


THE THREE ROBBERS 

“That’s Pedro’s monkey! I’ll be bound!” 
yelled one big burly fellow. 

“Say, where is Pedro?” asked another. “I 
told him to be here on time or we’d leave with- 
out him.” 

“Aw, wait a while. I’d like to figure out this 
business. I believe Pedro sent us this horse. 
That monkey is surely his,” said the first one. 

“We’ll figure a little too long and the cops’ll 
get us,” snarled the second. 

“Let’s be off,” growled the third robber. 
“But first tie the little shaver up to a post so he 
can’t make any trouble for us.” 

Without another word the men tied Picinini 
to a post by wrapping a rope round and round 
him and making several big knots. “Oh!” 
begged Pic, “you-alls won’t take my horse away, 
will you? Ah don’t care what you does to me, 
but my Tony! my Tony!” Picinini was wailing 
and screaming hysterically as he saw two big 
men jump on Tony’s back and kick him in the 
sides as they dashed out. 

“Stop that kid’s mouth before you come,” 
called one, and before Pic knew what was hap- 
pening a big handkerchief was jammed down 
his mouth. Then the last robber kicked the 
lantern over, leaving Picinini in the pitch dark. 

Oh, how dark and still it was ! Pic could not 
move nor speak and strain his eyes as much as 
he would he could see nothing. Everything was 
black and still. 

A soft little paw felt around Pic’s face and 
[ 59 ] 


PICININI 

finally pulled out the handkerchief. Pic couldn’t 
speak at first for his throat was so dry, but the 
monkey kept running his paws over him. 

“Oh, my poor horse!” he groaned, and his 
voice sounded strangely in the dark old barn. 

Antonio kept working over Pic till finally the 
ropes gave and one arm was free. Then Pic 
wiggled loose, and taking up the monkey hurried 
out into the moonlight, for he preferred any- 
thing to the dark dungeon. 

“Ah dunno what Fse gwine to do,” whispered 
Pic to Antonio as he stood in front of the barn. 
“Fse ’fraid to start home and Fse ’fraid to stay 
here.” 

Just then he heard a twig crack and saw a 
dark object come down the path. There was no 
mistake — it was a big man. 

“Another robber!” thought the terrified boy, 
and he hid behind the barn. 


[ 60 ] 



A soft little paw felt around Pic’s face and finally 
pulled out the handkerchief. 


HarbinsoB 




A Tiny Green Hat 


As Pic crouched down behind the barn he 
heard the man stumbling around inside and he 
held Antonio tightly lest he make a noise. 

In the barn Pedro was searching for the 
lantern, and finally he found it and lit it. “I 
got-a here too late-a,” he growled to himself and 
stepped over to a little crack in the wall where 
the robbers always left notes for each other. 
Here Pedro found a letter which explained that 
the robbers knew the police suspected them and 
so they were hurrying away on the boy’s horse. 
The note also told Pedro that they would all 
meet in the barn again the next night to divide 
the money. 

At first Pedro couldn’t think what they meant 
about taking the boy’s horse, and he kept won- 
dering whose horse the robbers meant. Just 
as he was about to blow out the lantern and start 
home he spied a tiny green hat on the floor. 

Outside behind the barn Pic and the monkey 
were having a great struggle, for little Antonio 
was curious to get inside and see what the racket 
was all about. Besides his little head was cold 
and he missed the tiny hat he had been accus- 
tomed to wearing, so he twisted and pulled 
furiously to free himself. 

Inside, Pedro stooped and picked up the 
little hat, which he recognized instantly as his 

[ 62 ] 


A TINY GREEN HAT 

monkey’s. Now, in a flash, he understood that 
the robbers had meant Pic’s horse, and he knew, 
too, that Picinini couldn’t be very far from the 
barn. “Antonio! Antonio!” called the Italian 
loudly. There was a squeak, a muffled sound, 
and then all was quiet. 

Pic was filled with terror when he heard 
Pedro calling for his monkey, and slapping his 
hand over Antonio’s mouth he crawled under a 
bush. 

While the Italian stood inside the barn call- 
ing to his pet and trying to learn from what 
direction those queer sounds came, he heard a 
big noise outside, and in rushed five policemen. 
Quick as a flash Pedro slipped the note back 
in the wall and stepped over to the police, say- 
ing, “I hunt all over for my monk-ee. See! I 
find his leetle hat. Oh, my Antonio! My An- 
tonio!” and holding up the tiny green hat he 
wailed bitterly. 

At first the police were somewhat suspicious 
of the Italian for being in the barn at that time 
of night, but as he stood there crying for his little 
monkey they changed their minds, and when 
Pedro suggested that they search the place the 
police felt sure that the Italian was innocent. 
Just at that moment they heard another sound. 
“What’s that?” asked one of the cops. 

“Oh! I bet-a my life! Dat boy and my leetle 
monk-ee hide here some-a place. Eh? You 
think?” said Pedro, searching about behind the 
hay piles. 

[ 63 ] 


PICININI 


“Listen! Where’s that strange squeak com- 
ing from? I believe it’s back of the barn,” said 
a shrewd policeman, and they all rushed out- 
side. Pedro began calling sharply to his monkey. 
There was a scramble in the old bush and a 
slight squeak. 

The police stepped over and pulling Pic out 
from under the bush yanked him up roughly 
and cried, “Here’s the little thief! He’s a nig- 
ger, too! It’s just like a coon’s trick,” and they 
dragged him over to their patrol wagon. 

“I’se no tief,” yelled Pic, “I done thought 
you-alls was de robbers coming back agin. Dat’s 
why Ah hid myself. 

“Stop that lying,” said one burly policeman, 
“or I’ll thrash you good. You’d better own up to 
the whole thing if you don’t want to be beat into 
jelly.” 

The Italian grinned to himself and started 
off with his monkey. 

“Oh ! Oh !” hollered Picinini. “I’se not tellin’ 
a lie. Dere was some big robbers at dis barn 
jes before you-alls come.” 

“I’ll teach you to mind me,” roared the cop 
and he cuffed little Pic in the face. Then lifting 
the sobbing boy into his patrol wagon took the 
little black fellow off to jail. 


[ 64 ] 


Picinini In Jail 


Into a cell Pic was shoved and the iron door 
locked, as if this little colored boy were indeed 
a ruffian. 

Picinini staggered over on the floor and 
screamed and kicked till the colored matron 
came in. “Chile, what am de matter wid ye? 
Don’t take on so, Honey,” she crooned and lifted 
Pic up in her arms. 

“Oh!” wailed Picinini, “I-alls never stole a 
thing.” 

“Well, Honey, don’t cry, caise it alls is cornin’ 
out right by and by,” and thus she soothed the 
terror-stricken child to sleep. 

Next morning the police began to hound the 
child about the money. “Where did you put it? 
Have you got it now? You must give it to us.” 

“I’se not got any money. I never stole, either. 
De three robbers I told you-alls about must a-did 
it,” was all the trembling boy could answer. 

Then Mr. Gray came to the jail and urged 
Picinini to tell the truth, and promised to help 
him all he could. “But, oh, Meester Gray I You- 
alls don’t think I stole, does you?” asked Picinini 
looking up in startled anguish. 

“Why, Pic, if you didn’t steal what were you 
hiding under a bush with the monkey for, and 
why did you ride off like that?” asked Mr. Gray 
in a stern, serious voice. 

[ 65 ] 


PICININI 


Picinini stood there aghast to think that even 
his friends would not believe him. His legs 
began to shake, and as Mr. Gray said sadly, 
“You see. Pic, my boy, you can’t answer me,” 
the child threw himself down into a little heap 
and cried hysterically. 

The matron rushed in angrily. “You-alls are 
gwine to kill dis chile if you don’t look out,” she 
scolded. “And what am more. Ah knows he-alls 
didn’t steal a single solitary ting.” She was get- 
ting the boy gradually quieted, but his nerve- 
racked little body shook and quivered as he 
sobbed, “Jes caise I’se black dey thinks I did it.” 

“Never mind. Honey! Don’t you care what 
de ‘white trash’ thinks. Dey alius blames dere 
sneakin’ tricks on to de colored folks,” and she 
hugged him up close. 

Then Mr. Stevens came to the jail and tried 
to get a confession from Pic. “You-alls won’t 
believe me,” quivered Pic, and burying his head 
in the matron’s arms he cried till the police came 
in again, for they were determined to make him 
confess. 

“Why, of course, the boy must have done it,” 
said Mr. Stevens to Gray. “He loved that 
monkey, and even told us he’d rather have it 
than the horse.” 

“Yes,” replied Mr. Gray. “I recall now that 
he named his horse ‘Tony,’ after the monkey,” 
and the two men joined the policemen who 
were going to take Picinini out to the old barn 
and force him to tell where the monev was. 

[ 66 ] 


PICININI IN JAIL 

It was a large crowd that followed the police 
and their little black prisoner to the barn. And 
Jack crowded through till he was near enough 
to tell Pic he loved him and knew he did not 
steal. Tears of joy rolled down Picinini’s cheeks. 
“You am de only friend I’se got ceptin’ mammy 
at de jail,” sobbed Pic. “But it am de truth, I 
never never stole a thing.” 

Then as they reached the barn the big surly 
policeman who held Pic by the arm shouted at 
him, “Now stop your lying and tell us where 
that money is! You’d better be quick about it, 
too!” and he began to crack a long riding whip 
very near Pic’s little legs. 

“Oh, Lordy! Lordy!” screamed Pic as they 
dragged him into the barn. “I-alls don’t know 
nothin’ bout it. If you’d only jes believe me, 
but you won't caise I’se black.” 

“There’s nothing to do but beat him good,” 
said the cop, cracking his whip again. 

Back among the crowd stood the Italian with 
his monkey, and his eyes popped when he saw 
Picinini pointing right at him and screaming, 
“He knows all ’bout it! He am de one dat can 
tell you-alls ’bout it.” 

The police called Pedro up to them and asked 
him what the child meant. The Italian’s face 
was livid with fear, but he looked up blankly 
into their faces and said, “I no understand-a you. 
What-a you mean, I don’ no.” 

The monkey slipped into the barn where he 
had spent many, many nights with his master, 
[ 67 ] 


PICININI 

and running over to the box brought out a 
cracker. 

“How’s this?” asked the cop, looking at Pedro 
suspiciously for the first time. 

The Italian’s hand shook, but still he kept his 
courage. “What-a dat box of food, you say? I 
dun-no, but I gotta one idee dat de kid he stole 
it from de store, too. He think he might like-a 
to eat sometime. Huh? Maybe?” 

“H-m,” said the policeman. “Guess you’re 
right,” but he looked sharply at Pedro. 

All at once the little monkey flew over to the 
crack in the wall and drew out a paper, just as 
he had seen his master do so many times. 

“Oh, Ho!” cried the officers as they snatched 
the note from Antonio’s little paw. The Italian 
looked from left to right and darted off, but the 
police soon caught him, and after handcuffing 
him led Pedro back. 

“We’ll just wait here with you till the rest of 
your pals come to divide the money,” laughed 
the officer. 

“And say! You poor kid!” said another, “we 
might as well give you that monkey for he 
helped you, all right; and Pedro won’t have any 
place in prison for a monkey.” 

Jack and Pic were in each other’s arms. “I 
knew it!” cried Jack. “1 knew it all the time!” 

Then Mr. Stevens and Mr. Gray came over, 
but Pic hardly noticed them, and when Mr. Gray 
said, “Well, boys, guess I’ll take you home now. 
We don’t care to stay and see the other robbers 

[ 68 ] 


PICININI IN JAIL 

caught,” Picinini didn’t say anything for a min- 
ute but looked down and dug his finger into An- 
tonio’s tiny ear. 

“I ain’t cornin’ home wid you-alls,” he said, 
still looking down at his monkey. “I’se goin’ 
back to Mammy at de jail,” and he climbed up 
in the patrol wagon lest it start off without him. 

That night Picinini lay close in the arms of 
his new colored mammy, who crooned out melo- 
dies till he fell fast asleep, and then kissing her 
newly-found charge she prayed, “De Lord save 
dis Honey Chile from all dem wicked white 
folks. Bless his little soul. Amen.” 


[ 69 ] 


A Letter From the Orphans’ Home 


Monday morning found a group of animated 
children gathered in front of the school house 
jabbering excitedly. They had come earlier 
than usual in the hope of seeing Pic and hearing 
more about the thrilling robbery and arrest, 
which had proved to be by far the biggest sensa- 
tion that the little village had ever known. In 
fact, the news had even penetrated the neighbor- 
ing towns that were all agog with the story of 
an innocent little colored boy who had been 
arrested for a theft which had in reality been 
committed by three big robbers and an organ- 
grinder as spy. 

“Just think!” said one little girl with eyes 
bulging, “I was standing right beside that organ- 
grinder last Saturday afternoon and I gave a 
penny to the monkey.” 

“Ooh! and look how he hung around here 
every night after school,” shivered one little fel- 
low. “I guess he’ll be stealing some of us kids 
next.” 

It was a disappointed little class that marched 
in without seeing Picinini or even Jack and Bess, 
who might at least have been able to furnish 
them with a few added details. 

Back of the jail in a little old shanty Picinini 
sat warming his toes in front of the fire, while 
Mammy bustled about preparing a meager 

[ 70 ] 


LETTER FROM ORPHANS’ HOME 

breakfast. Every now and then she stopped to 
scold the monkey which was industriously pry- 
ing his nose into everything and seemed to have 
the faculty of getting in her way. “Here! you 
scamp 1” she cried snatching an egg away just in 
time to save it. “I tells you, Honey, we’s gotta 
have a cage, dats all.” Antonio sneaked over 
and slipped a little paw in Pic’s hand. 

“He am sorry now and he-alls would hate a 
cage mos awful,” said Pic, stroking his pet which 
had begun a thorough search through his 
pockets. 

“Gome to your breakfast, Chile,” said Mammy 
setting a big dish of mush at Pic’s place. 

“Ah likes cakes with maple syrup for my 
breakfast,” said Pic as he looked disconsolately 
at the dish before him. 

“Well, Honey Chile, yo Mammy is mighty 
lucky to have enough mush, and I-alls can’t give 
you sech good things to eat as dat lady up on de 
hill did, caise I’se poor.” 

“Oh, Mammy! I don’t wants no cakes now 
dat I thinks of it,” cried Pic. “Dis mush am 
powerful good,” and he ate it all up, noting 
with joy the smile on Mammy’s face. 

When Mammy was leaving for the jail some 
officers brought the horse, Tony, to the door. 
“Here is the kid’s pony. We caught all the rob- 
bers last night and recovered the horse,” said 
they proudly. 

“Oh, Tony! Poor Tony!” cried Pic running 
out and patting the tired and dusty animal. 

[ 71 ] 


PICININI 


“Chile, der ain’t no way I kin keep dat horse 
fo you,” said Mammy sadly, and her face fell 
as she added, “I reckon you-alls might be betta 
off back wid de Grays.” 

“Oh no ! no ! Don’t send me away. Mammy ! 
I don’t wants de horse, I’se gwine to give him to 
Jack.” 

There were tears in Mammy’s eyes as she 
whispered, “May de Lord bless you, my little 
angel chile.” 

Then Pic, taking Antonio on his shoulder, 
started up the hill with the horse, talking to him 
and explaining exactly why he was giving him 
away. “You see, it am dis way. We’d like to 
have you wid us, Antonio and me would — ^well 
so would Mammy, too. But we jes can’t do it 
caise — caise we’se so poor. 

Then as Tony turned his head and coughed 
Pic continued, “Now don’t you-alls go to feelin’ 
too bad about dis, caise I reckon Jack’ll love you 
mos’ as much as Antonio and me, and sides that, 
you’ll get lots o’ good things to eat up dere on 
de hill.” It seemed that Tony was more re- 
signed as he trotted along, and soon Pic was 
gaily contemplating the joy of giving such a fine 
present to Jack. As he reached the house he 
called, “Jack! Jack! Gome on out! See what 
I’se got fo’ you!” 

When Jack came tearing out he looked 
blankly at Pic and asked, “What do you mean?” 

“Why, I means dis here horse am yours,” 
said Pic grinning. 


[ 72 ] 


LETTER FROM ORPHANS’ HOME 

“Oh! but I wouldn’t take him away from 
you,” cried Jack. “Let’s have him together.” 

“No,” answered Pic slowly, “I’se gwine to 
give him to you fo’ all yo’ own, caise you am de 
only boy dat I loves.” 

“Oh, Pic! how good you are!” said Jack 
shouting to his mother to come and see. 

Mrs. Gray told Picinini that Jack could take 
care of the horse, but smilingly refused to allow 
Jack to accept Tony for his own. “You see, that 
is an expensive horse,” she explained, “and 
worth too much money for you to give away. 
But Jack will be happy to keep Tony here for 
you, and — ” Mrs. Gray suddenly stopped, for 
Pic’s lips were trembling. 

“I-alls don’ want my Tony to be a charity 
horse, and sides I jes wants to give him to Jack.” 

Mrs. Gray, deciding that she would pay 
Mammy for the horse, consented and the two 
boys went giggling gleefully out to the stable. 

“Oh, Pic! I love you,” said Jack looking 
seriously at the little black face near him. “And 
I’d do anything in the world for you. Wait till 
I’m a man. Then I’ll prove it,” and long years 
after Jack’s promise came true. 

Then Mrs. Gray called the boys in for she 
was just taking some of her delicious ginger 
cookies out of the oven; and the whiff that 
greeted Pic’s nose made his mouth water. Now 
indeed Picinini realized that these were a luxury, 
and pocketing his cake decided to share it with 
Mammy and Antonio. But Mrs. Gray gave the 
[ 73 ] 


PICININI 

boy two more big cookies and as he started out 
to the barn for his monkey she called after him, 
“You must come up again soon, for Jack gets 
very lonesome.” 

Picinini hurried on down the hill for he 
feared he had been gone too long. Then, too, he 
was very anxious to give Mammy one of the big 
cookies Mrs. Gray had made. “I reckon we 
could jes’ take a bite o’ ours now,” said Pic, 
breaking off a piece for Antonio and himself. 

“Um! It’s good!” he told the monkey as he 
smacked his lips. “Guess we’ll has another bite.” 

Then finally after looking at his cake wist- 
fully he said, “Antonio, what does you say? 
Shall we jes finish our share up now?” and the 
cake disappeared rapidly. 

When Pic reached home he found that 
Mammy was still out and she had given him 
strict orders not to follow her in the jail so he 
sat down on his shabby little cot and waited. 
Hours passed, it seemed to Pic, and still she did 
not come, so he lay down and fell asleep wonder- 
ing idly what was in that big white envelope on 
the shelf. 

Alas! it was well for our little Pic that he 
didn’t know — you see that letter was from the 
Orphans’ Home. 


[ 74 ] 


Old Lady Grimes 


When Mammy came home tired and hungry 
her weary eyes brightened at sight of “dat be- 
loved chile” lying there asleep. As she stooped 
over to kiss him she spied the brown end of a 
ginger cooky bulging out of his pocket and she 
guessed that it had been saved for her. Then 
as she went about preparing lunch suddenly her 
eyes fell on a long white envelope. “De mail- 
man has been here,” she cried joyfully. 

Just as Picinini woke up Antonio darted 
away with the treasured ginger cooky squeezed 
in his tiny hand. “Mammy! Mammy! catch 
him!” yelled Pic. “He’s got your cake!” 

But Mammy was at the table holding a letter 
in her hand and crying. 

“Chile, come here, I reckon I’se got to tell 
you ’bout it,” and she drew the astonished boy 
up in her arms. 

“Will you-alls promise not to cry, caise you 
knows I done loves you and I’se gwine ta fine 
some way out of dis for you, if you only 
promise you won’t cry.” 

“No, Mammy, so long’s I’se got you dey can’t 
makes me cry,” said Pic stoutly. 

“Well — ^you see — dis am a letter from de 
Orphans’ Home,” said Mammy finally. 

The child drew back as if from a blow. “Oh, 
no! no! Mammy, don’t you give me to em. I’ll 
[ 75 ] 


PICININ I 


be good, I’ll let you put Antonio in a cage if 
you’ll only! only! keep me,” wailed Picinini. 

“Was it so terrible bad dere?” asked Mammy 
sadly. 

“Oh, Mammy! Mammy! It war awful! 
awful!” and Pic wrung his little black hands. 

“But chile, warn’t there any colored folks 
dere?” asked the broken hearted old woman. 

“No, dey was all white chilen cept me, and 
dey-alls made fun o’ me caise I’se black. And 
oh! don’t let ’em git me! No, Mammy! say you 
won’t!” pleaded the boy pitifully. 

“Honey, dey-alls will never git you if I kin 
help it : Listen to me chile. De Orphans’ Home 
done say dat you gotta come back dere unless 
some one adopts you.” 

“What am ‘adopts’ ?” asked Picinini in alarm. 

“Why dats when some one takes you fo’ dere 
chile and gives you dere name an’ de keeps you 
all de time,” she explained. 

“Why, you-alls can do dat fo’ me,” exclaimed 
the boy brightening. 

“I’se too poor, chile. Dey won’t let me, caise 
dey’ll say I can’t eggicate you,” said Mammy 
mournfully. “But I’se gwine straight to Meesus 
Gray and see if she-alls will do it.” 

Mrs. Gray was very sorry to hear about Pic’s 
trouble, but said she couldn’t think of taking a 
colored boy for her own son. She told Mammy 
that when Pic ran away from the Orphanage 
she had written to the authorities and asked if 
she could keep him ^or a while and they wrote 

[ 76 ] 



PICININI 

back that she could keep him till they sent for 
him. 

“And now that they have sent for Picinini 
he’ll have to go back to the Orphans’ Home I 
guess,” said Mrs Gray regretfully. 

Mammy’s heart sank, but she didn’t lose 
hope. “Meesus Stevens surely, surely can’t re- 
fuse,” she thought. “Gaise he done save her lit- 
tle gal’s life,” and she hurried along confidently. 

Mrs. Stevens was oh so sorry, but said, 
“Surely you don’t expect me to adopt a colored 
boy and have him for Daisy’s own brother.” 

Crestfallen and heartsick Mammy bowed her 
head and prayed, “Oh, de good Lord in Heaven, 
help dis poor black soul. I don promise to save 
dat blessed boy, an’ now what I’se gwine ta do? 
Oh, Lord, help me and give me da boy. Amen.” 
And as she started toward home she kept whisp- 
ering “Faith, dat’s it. Faith like a little chile.” 

There in the door she saw Picinini’s eager lit- 
tle black face. How could she tell him! What 
could she tell him! The grief-stricken woman 
cried out, “Oh, Lord, ain’t you-alls gwine to help 
me!” 

Just then an old woman stepped up and in- 
quired, “Pardon me, are you the lady who is 
taking care of Picinini?” 

Yes I is, now. But dey-alls is sendin’ de 
loving chile back to dat Orphans’ Home. An’ 
oh ! it’s ’bout killin’ me,” said Mammy brokenly. 

“That is just what I came to see about,” said 
the woman. “Do not fear. They shall not take 

[ 78 ] 


X 


OLD LADY GRIMES 

Picinini away from you. I shall see to that.” 
The old lady had gray hair and looked very weak 
and old. 

“De Lord bless you,” cried Mammy, and she 
broke down crying for sheer relief and joy. 

“You see,” continued the old lady. “I have 
been very ill and once I lost my mind; but now 
I’m cured and I wish to do all the good in this 
world I can before I die.” 

“Oh! am you dat rich lady dat jes come to 
town?” asked Mammy, opening her eyes in sur- 
prise. 

“Yes, I inherited a large fortune,” she an- 
swered, “and mean to spend it all for those in 
need.” 

Then Mammy, with face radiant, led the rich 
old lady quickly to her house. 

Picinini, who was standing in the doorway, 
gave one startled look, screamed “Old Lady 
Grimes 1” rushed back and hid himself under the 
bed. 


[ 79 ] 


The Call of His Race 


When Mammy and the old lady stepped into 
the house Pic was nowhere to be found. “Why, 
mercy on us! Where am de chile?” asked Mam- 
my looking about. Then she spied a little shoe 
sticking out from under the bed. “Gome out, 
Honey,” she called. “What you all scared about? 
Why, chile, you’se saved 1 You-alls done have to 
go ta de Orphans’ Home and I’se gwine to keep 
you.” Then she pulled the boy out. 

Picinini looked toward the visitor in alarm, 
but all he saw was a sweet old lady smiling at 
him. Then he felt that he had made a mistake, 
for Old Lady Grimes had no teeth and her eyes 
weren’t so kind and pleasant looking. 

“Chile, dis lady done saved us,” said Mammy 
leading Pic up to the stranger. “She am gwine 
to let me keep you and she’s gwine to pay for 
it caise she’s rich.” 

Now Picinini was very much ashamed of the 
mistake he had made and as he timidly took the 
hand that was offered him he said, “I thanks you 
fo givin’ me my Mammy and saving me from de 
Orphans’ Home. You am a good, good lady.” 

“Picinini, don’t you know me?” asked the old 
woman sadly. 

Pic’s ears burned. Could it be that this was 
she! No! As he looked into the sad sweet face 
he replied, “No, Lady, but at first I thought — ” 

[ 80 ] 


THE CALL OF HIS RACE 

here he stopped and swallowed, turning very red 
in the face. 

“I know what you thought, dear. And you’re 
right. “I’m the Old Lady Grimes you used to 
know and fear. But my mind has heen restored 
to me now and I know you’ll forgive me for what 
I did when I was ill.” 

“Oh, yes. Lady, I done forgives you. How 
could you-alls help what you did? Sides, I was 
bad myself for disturbin’ you,” and Pic stepped 
up closer to the old lady. 

Mammy’s eyes were rolling in astonishment. 
“Well, chile, I didn’t know a ting about dis, but 
you betta be glad you knew dis lady caise you- 
all would be going to de Orphans’ Home for sure 
if it warn’t fo her. You see Meesus Gray and 
Meesus Stevens said dey was powerful sorry 
bout it but dey couldn’t do a single ting fo you,” 
said Mammy watching the effect this informa- 
tion had on Pic. 

The child stood for a full minute wide-eyed 
staring at Mammy, and then he said slowly, “De 
white folks — what dey do? — dey gives you tin^s 
sometimes, yes — ^but dey not help you out in de 
time oh trouble — Messus Gray not saves me from 
de Orphans’ Home and Meesus Stevens, too. Oh, 
Mammy! Mammy! you am all I’se got,” and 
Picinini buried his face in her lap. 

“But chile, you’se forgettin’ dis good kine 
lady dat helped us,” said Mammy, lifting him up 
in her lap. 

“Well, Picinini, you’re right, dear, the white 
[ 81 ] 


PI CIN IN I 

folks would never do as much for you as the 
colored. You’ll always be happier with your 
own kind in this world. Either Mrs. Gray or Mrs. 
Stevens could not very well have adopted you. 
You’ll understand when you grow up. I myself 
wouldn’t do it if I had any children. But you 
see I am an old, old lady and have no one to live 
with, so I’ll be glad to have you. Mammy can 
take care of me instead of working at the jail 
and we’ll all be very happy.” 

“And we’ll live right next to Jack,” said Pic 
delighted. 

“You shall have whatever you want,” con- 
tinued the old lady. “I’ll make a big play house 
for you to keep Antonio in at night. Then you 
shall have another horse like the one you gave 
to Jack, also a little cart to drive in when you 
choose.” 

Pic’s eyes were dancing as they sat around 
the fire making their plans. Antonio joined the 
group and he seemed to take a great fancy to Old 
Lady Grimes, for he flew around her chattering 
and occasionally thrusting a soft brown hand 
into hers. This pleased the old lady, who petted 
him and laughed gaily at his funny capers. They 
had a very happy evening and then Old Lady 
Grimes left. 

Just as they were preparing to retire some 
one knocked on the door. It was Mr. Gray. He 
said that he and his wife had talked it over and 
decided to pay $200.00 for the horse Pic had 
given to Jack. “This will enable you to adopt 

[ 82 ] 


THE CALL OF HIS RACE 

Picinini yourself,” Mr. Gray told Mammy as he 
was leaving. 

Before Mammy had closed the door she saw 
Mr. Stevens coming toward the house. “My wife 
told me about Pic’s trouble and I’ve come to give 
you $300.00 which will make it possible for you 
to adopt him,” said Mr. Stevens, and before he 
left he added, “While I couldn’t think of adopt- 
ing Picinini I want him to know that my wife 
and I appreciate what he did for Daisy.” 

“Chile, Chile, see here!” exclaimed Mammy. 
“Now I can adopt you myself and we’ll go away 
from here. I wants to take you to Alabam where 
I done comes from.” 

“Oh, Mammy, but I wants to stay here an’ 
live next door to Jack, an’ have a fine house for 
my monkey, an’ drive to school in a fine carriage 
like Old Lady Grimes was tellin’ me bout,” 
frowned Pic. 

“Well, Chile, you-alls do what you wants to, 
caise if I took you to Alabam wid me dis money 
wouldn’t last long and I’d has to work, so you- 
alls wouldn’t have fine things like you’d have 
here. But, Honey, you’d be wid your own folks 
den, an Ah thinks you’d grow up happier.” 

“Oh, is colored folks dere?” asked Pic curi- 
ously. 

“Is dey!” replied Mammy. “Why, Honey, de 
streets am full oh em! Men an’ women an’ 
chilen all dressed up foin, too.” 

“Am dere chilen jas like me?” asked Pic with 
[ 83 ] 


PICININI 

face all aglow. “Has dey got kinky hair an’ is 
dey really and truly black as me?” 

“Why, yes, Honey, dere am one little fellow 
looks jes like you and he am bout your size, too. 
He’s my nephew,” said Mammy proudly. 

“But I-alls don’t want to go anyway,” said 
Pic, shaking his little head. 

“All right, Chile, we won’t say no more bout 
it,” sighed Mammy, “only I jes thought you-alls 
ought to grow up wid de colored folks caise when 
you’se a man de white folks won’t like you and 
you won’t like de colored ones,” and so saying 
she crawled into bed and gathering Pic in her 
arms dozed off to sleep. 

As Picinini lay snuggled up to Mammy he be- 
gan to see visions of people, old and young, all 
black like himself, and one little fellow just his 
size and just as black. He forgot the fine house 
for Antonio, he forgot the pony and carriage, he 
even forgot Jack, as he buried his face in the soft 
black arms that had been his pillow ever since 
he found them. 

A sea of black faces swam before him and 
Picinni made his decision — “Mammy,” he whisp- 
ered softly. 

“What am it, Chile?” 

“You-alls betta git to packin’ early in de 
mornin’, caise we’se gwine to Alabam where de 
colored folks am.” 

“Praise de Lord,” murmured Mammy. “Pic- 
inini done felt de call oh his race.” 


[ 84 ] 



A sea of black faces swam before him 


Harbinson 



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